The stars of Hollywood have sparkled on the Oscars red carpet with plunging necklines and vibrant bursts of colour, as the awards season's grand finale signaled that anything goes in fashion - as long as it's fabulous.
From the Louis Vuitton black trousers worn by Emma Stone to the electric pink Michael Kors gown wrapped around Viola Davis, this year's Oscar runway was a study in contrasts that celebrated individual flair.
Celebrating her first Oscar nod for her performance in I, Tonya, best supporting actress nominee Allison Janney made a statement in a scarlet red gown from Reem Acra with a deep V neckline and dramatic flared sleeves.
Get Out star Allison Williams chose dusty pink with sparkles, a decidedly demure princessy look amid the sea of low-cut gowns. Her co-star Betty Gabriel's teal Tony Ward bodice left little to the imagination.
Those on the world's most-watched runway appeared to throw off the fashion constraints of the Golden Globes, where women protesting the sexual misconduct that has roiled the entertainment industry opted for black gowns.
Instead, the film world's glitterati chose what made them feel best, whether classic gowns or edgier, flesh-baring looks.
"There is diversity everywhere - there is no formula anymore," said Rickie De Sole, W magazine's fashion market director. "It looks like people are embracing personal style more than just wearing a typical dress. It's kind of whatever goes."
Presenter Salma Hayek, wearing a lilac gown with tiers of sequins and rhinestones worthy of "One Thousand and One Arabian Nights," cited the female solidarity that was changing how Hollywood was run.
"Here we are to celebrate the fact that women will not have to struggle as hard together," said Hayek. "I know that future generations will have it easier."
Leslie Price, digital director for Instyle, said the Oscars are "the one night of the year where everyone goes all out in Hollywood."
The #Metoo movement against sexual harassment that is top of mind this year did not appear to be taking away from "having fun with fashion," she said, noting that "The two aren't mutually exclusive."
Threatened by possible showers, the red carpet instead proceeded under sunny skies, where a host of bold colors in emerald, purple and shocking pink appeared to glow.
Jennifer Garner and Nicole Kidman opted for royal blue, and Ashley Judd wore a strapless amethyst dress.
"Best Director" nominee Greta Gerwig chose orangey-mustard while Meryl Streep wore classic vermillion.
"I'm humbled by the whole thing," said Mary J. Blige, nominated for two Oscars for Mudbound, wearing a form-fitting white gown with cap sleeves and sequins. "I worked really hard but I didn't know I was going to get all this."
The first Hispanic actress to win an Oscar, Rita Moreno returned to the red carpet on Sunday.
"This is the gown I wore in 1962 when I won my Oscar" for West Side Story, said the 86-year-old Moreno, showing off her strapless back gown with a ballooning skirt printed with dramatic gold graphics.
US skaters Adam Rippon and Mirai Nagasu brought Olympic flair to the runway, with Rippon giving a nod to bondage with his Moschino tuxedo with leather straps. Neutralising his edgy look was Nagasu on his arm in a light blue romantic lace look.
Sandra Bullock, Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, Black Panther star Lupita Nyong'o, Jane Fonda and Nicole Kidman are among an eclectic lineup of presenters due to take the stage for the three-and-a-half hour awards in Los Angeles.
The sexual misconduct scandal that has brought down dozens of once-powerful men, and lingering questions over racial and gender fairness in the movie business, is hanging over the awards.
The Time's Up campaign against sexual harassment in the workplace, spearheaded by celebrities including Reese Witherspoon and Ava DuVernay, will be recognised in some form in the ceremony, organisers say.
Host Jimmy Kimmel has the task of navigating the wider political themes with the celebrations. He is also expected to turn into a running joke last year's embarrassing best picture envelope mix-up that saw musical La La Land being declared winner instead of Moonlight.
